Blush + Bashful

Earlier in the week, I had the chance to visit Beth and Judith from Scarlet Designs in their amazing showcase studio on Oak Street. Scarlet Designs has a line of gorgeous Special Occasion Separates perfect for brides who want their bridesmaids to have a unique look and dress-buying experience.

Here’s a little peek:

What makes these separates so different from those you’ll find elsewhere is that all of the skirts are adjustable. I think this is amazing because the dresses are custom-made for each bridesmaid AND they are adjustable. That takes care of all of those pricey alterations and worries with pregnant bridesmaids! You really have to see this to believe it, but some of the skirts are made with a drawstring that is concealed by a reversible sash and others are a full wrap skirt. Genius!
There are 80 basic color choices in three fabrics: Silk Shantung, Duppione Silk, and Faille Taffeta Polyester.  You can also choose an embroidered specialty silk. I think it would be fabulous to dress your bridesmaids in their favorite pieces from the separates and the mothers in complimentary tones using an embroidered silk accent. You can tie it all together and take care of gifts for the girls with custom made wraps or purses. How fun!

If you are considering a unique high-end look for your bridesmaids that truly fits the bill of something they can “wear again,” check out Special Occasion Separates from Scarlet Designs.

Here’s my favorite look…

I am obsessed with the skirt. And, if you go to the studio, you can see similar styles with an adorable ruffle on the bottom!

A: Check out Kristina Carter’s blog for the answer!

She’s giving away free wedding photography to one lucky couple who is doing their part for the environment by having a green wedding.

Kristina will provide coverage up to 10 hours, travel nationwide, paperless proofs, and online gallery to the lucky couple. She’s an amazing photographer and this is over a $5,000 value! Imagine putting that towards your honeymoon at an eco-friendly resort?!

The submissions begin now and end by 10 pm (CST) on February 10th, 2008. The online poll will begin no later than 10 am the next morning and voting will last until 11 pm (CST) on February 13th. The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

The winners will be a couple whose wedding plans make the “least impact on the environment and the most impact on the community on their wedding day…Three couples who have implemented the most things they can for planning their wedding will be then subject to a poll on this blog and you the viewers will be the final judges.”

Mail or email your submissions to Kristina. Include the plans already made or ideas to implement, a 5×7 photo of the couple sized to 300 dpi, and wedding date (must be no later than 12/31/2009), any other information helpful in making final selections.
Mailing address is PO Box 5212, Oak Brook IL 60522
Email is info@vraiphoto.com

Here’s a sample of Kristina’s work with my October 27th couple…Gorgeous!

I love ballet flats. They are cute, stylish, comfortable, and fun. If you are searching for a great wedding day shoe that will allow you to dance the night away, check out the new styles on J Crew’s website.

This is the Twinkle Ballet Flat in Platinum Gold Glitter…Who says that your left hand has to have all of the fun?

This style is called the Clea Printed-Fabric Ballet Flat. It’s perfect for the non-traditional bride wearing a more casual wedding dress. It’s especially great if you were inspired by the Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2007 issue with the gorgeous marigold and pewter color palette.

And…here are a few shoe tips that you’ve probably heard a million times…

• Regardless of whether you wear an adorable ballet flat or a chic stiletto on your wedding day, make sure that your feet are properly supported and comfy! No matter how cute those shoes are, you’ll be upset if you are wincing in pain in all of your photos.
• Buy your wedding day shoes well in advance. You need them for wedding gown alterations anyway. Break them in by wearing them around the house with socks. And, no…it doesn’t cause bad luck if your fiance sees your wedding shoes!

I can’t wait to go see the new Katherine Heigl movie, “27 Dresses.” Unfortunately, they delayed the release a week to have a better chance for a big opening weekend with the MLK holiday. I’ve never heard of this happening before, but I guess I’ll just have to go with it!

Anyway, the movie is about a girl, Jane, who has been a bridesmaid in 27 weddings. She focuses on planning weddings and making memories for all of her friends, but never does the same for herself. Then, Jane falls in love with her sister’s fiance and starts planning their wedding…I know exactly where this is going! It sounds just like “The Wedding Planner.” YAY!

Here’s the website: www.27dressesthemovie.com

Have fun!
Meg

P.S. No, unfortunately we don’t wear ear pieces and have an emergency kit under our suit-jacket like JLo in “The Wedding Planner.” It seems that at every wedding, some well-meaning guest or tipsy groomsman makes a reference to those things!

I am on the email list from BFF Bridal, a New York based online publication and high-end consultancy for chic city brides. Today’s email was particularly cute, so I thought I’d share!

You can check out BFF Bridal and sign up for the newsletter at www.bffbridal.com.

EVER AFTER

It’s the start of a brand-new year, and everyone’s resolving to do more of this and less of that. So we asked couples who have been married from mere months to many decades to dish out their expert advice on what it takes to be happily hitched . . .

. . . In Your First Year of Marriage: He says: “Don’t say you don’t care when it comes to choosing photos for the wedding album.” She says: “Have a plan for writing the thank-you notes.”
-Julie & Craig Stolzberg, married August 11, 2007

. . . In Your Seventh Year of Marriage: He says: “Keep up the small but romantic things you did for each other in the beginning.” She says: “Accept that your way isn’t the only way.”
-Cindy & Jack Manelli, married March 24, 2001

. . . In Your Tenth Year of Marriage: He says: “Always put the marriage first . . . even before the kids. The kids will understand and be better for it anyway. Also, buy her a handbag or shoes at least once a year.” She says: “Do your own things as well as spend quality time together. Be a united front for your kids; remember to do nice things for each other; and always try to compromise.”
-Nicole & Jacob Capps, married July 4, 1998

. . . In Your Twenty-Eighth Year of Marriage: He says: “Humor. You have to laugh WITH each other and AT each other.” She says: “Fight when you’re angry. Scream, yell, throw things. Then move on. No festering is allowed.”
-Tammie & John Collins, married December 20, 1980

. . . In Your Forty-Second Year of Marriage: He says: “Mutual respect and consideration. Also: understand the little things that either please or irritate your partner, and remember to act accordingly.” She says: “Work hard, play hard, and every few years make it a point to take on new activities together.”
-Pam & Glen Hait, married January 15, 1966

. . . In Your Fiftieth Year of Marriage: He says: “It takes a strong faith, commitment to each other, and a special love for your children.” She says: “Faith, support and commitment.”
-Dorothy & Joe D’Autorio, married May 31, 1958

. . . In Your Fifty-Fifth Year of Marriage: He says: “My formula is Communication + Respect = Love.” She says: “Continued love and respect.”
-Freida & Joe Sokol, married June 17, 1953

www.bffbridal.com